As someone who has been a dedicated fan of the NBA 2K series for well over a decade now, I can confidently say that NBA 2K25 is an absolute delight! The ProPLAY Technology truly elevates this game to new heights of visual beauty, making it a feast for the eyes.
NBA 2K25 has hit the shelves, delivering basketball enthusiasts an upgraded gaming experience courtesy of Visual Concepts. The 2025 version offers a New-Gen adventure for PC gamers, along with numerous other enhancements. A fresh MyNBA Era, four additional MyTEAM modes, and a narrative mode for MyCAREER are just some of the features that have received an upgrade this year. However, is the price tag justified by all these new additions? Let’s dive into the NBA 2K25 Review to find out.
NBA 2K25 Review – What is NBA 2K25?
2K Sports’ latest release, NBA 2K25, is the newest basketball video game developed by Visual Concepts. It boasts numerous modes, some of which are returning favorites. Additionally, players can enjoy All-Time and Historic Teams, as well as the full Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) league, a feature that has been introduced more recently.
In this rephrased version:
The game launched for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Gameplay – NBA 2K25 Review
NBA 2K25 persists in operating through its ProPLAY system, incorporating authentic NBA video for a more lifelike gaming experience. This year, they’ve introduced a fresh dribble engine, accompanied by approximately 9,000 new animations. Furthermore, the developers have included various novel offensive and defensive mechanisms to enhance your court control. The visuals of ProPLAY remain stunning, boasting realistic player models and movements. However, how do the recent gameplay improvements fare in terms of feel?
In NBA 2K25, what I enjoy most is the innovative Shot Cancelling mechanic. This feature gives a more seamless experience when transitioning from a shot attempt to making a move. Moreover, it allows for increased teamwork in offense and encourages creativity. Frequently, I use this mechanism to feign a three-point shot, observing if the defender reacts. Afterward, I can cancel the shot, dash up the court, and either take a shot or pass to my Center.
In NBA 2K25, they’ve tweaked shooting mechanics by introducing Shot Timing Profiles and Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting. Essentially, the Shot Timing Profiles influence how your timing impacts shots within the game. You’ll have five distinct choices to pick from, based on your expertise or personal preference. It’s a diverse set of options, and I think players will easily find their optimal choice.
Instead of shooting by pressing a button at specific times, Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting offers a fresh approach on consoles. This unique mechanic demands the use of the right stick instead. To execute a shot, for instance, you hold down the stick to initiate it, and then push up when your player has reached their designated spot or ‘Set Point’.
As a devoted NBA 2K25 enthusiast, I won’t sugarcoat it – this new system has left me scratching my head at times. But let’s face it, there are gamers out there who will embrace this challenge and excel using this setup. Ultimately, I’m grateful for the fresh perspective it brings to the gameplay experience. What makes it even more intriguing is that each player can discover their unique approach to master these innovative features.
Luckily, 2K25 provides a comprehensive guide in Learn2K, helping you grasp all these mechanics and beyond. In this educational setting, you learn everything from fundamental to advanced gameplay strategies. While not revolutionary, it’s incredibly handy for swiftly and effectively learning the basics.
Once you’ve completed the fundamental lessons, you’ll master passing, shooting, dribbling, defending, and even making free throws, among other skills. The pace is steady and engaging, so you won’t feel like time is dragging on.
In NBA 2K25, AI has received significant enhancements, particularly in offense. During MyCAREER gameplay, I discovered that I can depend on my teammates for plays more frequently. Instead of simply performing a few steps before heading towards the basket, my teammates will now aggressively drive down open paths with greater confidence. This improvement leads to a higher number of offensive opportunities since my teammates show more determination when they receive the ball.
Additionally, there are several enhancements in 2K25’s gameplay that I appreciate, but the game offers numerous other upgrades as well. These include revamped defensive movements and contest systems, custom visual indicators, and Signature Go-to Shots. The game consistently pushes the boundaries of playability.
Essentially, NBA 2K25 continues to deliver the cherished experience that we’ve grown accustomed to throughout the past 25-plus years.
MyCAREER & The City – NBA 2K25 Review
One thing I’ve always loved about MyCAREER in the NBA 2K series is the control you have over your experience. And NBA 2K25’s MyCAREER mode gives you more control than ever. And that begins right away after you build your MyPLAYER.
In the return of MyPLAYER Builder for MyCAREER, 2K25 offers the chance to replicate real NBA players by using authentic Player Build templates. If you aspire to become Steph Curry version 2.0 or desire to modify an existing build to suit your preferences, this feature provides the perfect platform for personalized basketball action!
And I know this has been a long-time feature, but I love face scan. The ability to put my own face in the game has become an underappreciated detail over the years. That said, I think the system could be slightly improved. It took me a while, even in optimal lighting, to get the scan just right. Nevertheless, it’s still a great feature.
In this year’s MyCAREER narrative, the spotlight shines on both MP and his supervisor, Patrick Wells. Unlike MP who was hyped as the next LeBron James in NBA 2K24, your character is not overlooked – you’re no pushover. Yet, you must demonstrate your value to the league from day one when you join the team. I personally had to play at least four games coming off the bench before I earned a starting position.
You have the option to venture into The City or set foot in The Arena, both launching your journey. Yet, you can also reminisce about your history within The Heart of a Dynasty. This gameplay aspect comprises four missions detailing your rise to where you are now. It additionally offers insights into your relationship with your manager over time. To sum up, I found the narrative engaging and hope Visual Concepts will delve deeper into it in future iterations.
The most exciting game during that tournament was played in the FIBA U-19 World Cup Finals. You’d face Spain, a team with a standout player who had previously won the tournament. However, you get the chance to silence him (and many others) while playing this mode. If you envision yourself having a long career of over 10 years in MyCAREER, then Heart of A Dynasty is definitely a game you’d want to consider playing.
In my viewpoint, the badge system underwent some refreshing updates which I appreciate. To start with, Visual Concepts trimmed down the number of badges, streamlining the entire system and elevating their worth. This simplification should make it less daunting for beginners to grasp all of them. On the other hand, seasoned players will find fewer tasks to complete in order to find a suitable build that suits their playstyle.
In NBA 2K25, the city has reached its peak in terms of quality. What makes it exceptional is its reduced size, making travel between locations like Point A and Point B a breeze. However, it’s not merely the size that contributes to this improvement; the strategic placement of key features plays a significant role as well. The RISE and ELITE affiliations are now located relatively close to each other, eliminating the need for lengthy journeys across vast expanses just to access their arenas.
The city’s snug layout adds to the excitement of discovery. Plus, this year’s design aligns perfectly with a basketball theme. Although it might be smaller, it’s brimming with fresh and familiar aspects. You can still rely on your connections, training grounds, gyms, outdoor courts, and so forth. You’ll even encounter real-life players in The City for various quests, some offering free Virtual Currency as rewards.
All things considered, NBA 2K25’s MyCAREER remains unmatched as the most immersive player-centric career mode among all sports games currently available. I struggle to name another sports game that provides as much control and variety in activities. Moreover, no other sports title delivers such a polished presentation, with fully voice-acted scenes and rich narratives.
Sure, you might consider some of the dialogue cheesy or maybe campy, but I love it. It adds charm to the experience and makes each year feel different. The added storylines give me more incentive to see what’s next in my career.
You can spend your entire career playing in the arena. You could also spend all of your time in The City playing various modes or for your affiliation. Or, you can get lost within NBA 2K25’s other content-rich modes.
MyNBA – NBA 2K25 Review
Currently, among all sports games available, none can match the depth of MyNBA’s franchise mode. This immersive experience allows you to begin your journey in six distinct periods, such as the modern-day Steph Curry era, making it unrivaled in its richness.
I appreciate the level of personalization and intricate details in MyNBA annually. It’s not just about rewriting history from six different beginnings, but also modifying the league structure before you even start. Fancy setting up a 12-team league that expands later, or maybe you want to tweak specific rules? In NBA 2K25 MyNBA, there are endless possibilities for shaping your own basketball universe.
As a supporter of the 76ers, the Steph Curry period brought both joy and sadness. Despite being saddled with Ben Simmons and Jahlil Okafor, I managed to stop my team from selecting Markelle Fultz in the draft. Since MyNBA allows you to pick actual players from future classes, I had a head start on knowing which players to watch. Each phase of MyNBA provides limitless chances for challenges to conquer. Alternatively, you could simply join the Warriors during Curry’s tenure and rule the league for multiple seasons.
While MyCAREER is often preferred by many fans, I must admit that MyNBA has become my favored mode within the NBA 2K series lately. It provides an excellent option for those who prefer not to focus on VC and managing a full team, as opposed to a single player. You can even create a player and immerse them in a scaled-down version of “MyCAREER” experience within MyNBA.
Concerning “streamlined” gameplay, MyNBA Lite offers an alternative for gamers, providing a scaled-down franchise mode for their enjoyment. If you’re only interested in playing, swapping players, and selecting draft picks, this is the ideal choice for you. Nevertheless, I would recommend everyone to experiment with at least one franchise on standard MyNBA once. You never know – you might discover that you prefer it to MyCAREER, just as I have now.
MyTEAM – NBA 2K25 Review
In NBA 2K25’s MyTEAM Mode, while maintaining a similar structure as previous versions, fresh additions and enhancements ensure it remains engaging instead of repetitive. To put it simply, MyTEAM has been enriched with four brand-new game modes this season. However, the most significant upgrade to MyTEAM this time around is undoubtedly the comeback of the Auction House feature.
Previously, Visual Concepts swapped the Auction House for the New Player Market. However, due to some issues, players were quite insistent on having the original Auction House back. To use it now, you must attain a Gold REP Tier in MyTEAM. Functionally, it operates much like before. By mastering the system, you can profit by buying low and selling high, thereby helping you complete your collections.
Without a doubt, discussing MyTEAM and MyCAREER in NBA 2K25 wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the in-game transactions. As anticipated, they provide Virtual Currency (VC) that allows you to enhance your MyPLAYER or buy MyTEAM packs, boxes, and so on.
The underlying problem with VC is that it becomes so hard to earn if you do not spend real money. Unless you purchase the All-Star Edition, your MyPLAYER will start with a 60 OVR, and it’ll take a while to boost their rating. And I personally still wish there was some way to carry over some of your VC from a previous game. Even being able to transfer like 25% of my VC from 2K24 would be a big help.
Furthermore, I found that some of the newly introduced features, though intriguing in concept, didn’t quite live up to my expectations. For instance, Breakout sounds exciting, but the payoff wasn’t as significant as anticipated. On the other hand, revisiting Rivet City was pleasing, but I’m not particularly fond of Triple Threat (Park).
Independent of anything, MyTEAM is just what it is. Just like last year, there’s nothing that draws me into playing that mode. That doesn’t make it bad, but because I choose to save my Virtual Currency for MyCAREER, I can’t engage with both modes at the same time. However, I understand that others enjoy it, so I can certainly appreciate the diversity of gameplay options they offer.
The W – NBA 2K25 Review
For new generation gamers, The W is back, and although it’s improved, it still falls short of its full potential. However, there are many delightful enhancements in this game mode.
Initially, adding fully-spoken press conferences enhances the overall feel. It seems more engaging and enjoyable to listen to someone speak instead of merely reading words on a screen.
In 2022, the spotlight is on your Journey Towards Excellence. You join a team that’s captivated by two sensational newcomers, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. However, you will surpass their performances and ultimately dominate the league with your stellar play.
The platform W includes an online aspect as well, which has undergone numerous enhancements. The most striking of these updates is the introduction of the Mentorship program. If you’ve achieved Game Changer status and wish to assist your friends, this Mentorship feature can aid in enhancing everyone’s contributions towards our community goals. I find this feature intriguing and hope to see it incorporated in offline environments as well.
All in all, although I still believe The W doesn’t quite match the scope of the other modes, this year it seems developers are steering The W onto the right path. Last year, I described The W as being somewhat overlooked. However, this time around, it appears more fully realized and detailed than ever before. What’s more, I’m genuinely astounded by how a single video game like NBA 2K25 manages to accommodate so many teams. It truly feels like a comprehensive destination for all aspects of professional basketball.
Graphics – NBA 2K25 Review
The innovative ProPLAY Technology has made its return with significant improvements, bringing NBA 2K25 closer to the authentic basketball game. Enhanced player models and movement are achieved through an array of new animations, making the action on the court feel more genuine. Furthermore, the meticulously designed stadiums, crowd interactions, and additional details contribute to a visually immersive gaming environment.
Previously, I pointed out how effortless traveling within this urban center is. However, let me add that it appears stunningly beautiful as well. Despite shrinking in size compared to last year, The City has never looked better in 2K25. What captivates me most are intricate details such as the Walk of Fame, and I find the city layout to be particularly inviting.
As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but notice an aspect that could use some enhancement in the future – the pre-game animations. These animations set the stage for the game, with players from both teams showcasing impressive moves to build anticipation for the matchup. While these animations add to the overall experience, I find that many of them are similar to those seen in NBA 2K24. It’s not a major issue, but I believe Visual Concepts could explore new ideas to elevate the presentation even further, perhaps by introducing fresh and unique pre-game sequences to keep the excitement levels high.
- Adding more animations of players on the sideline reacting to big plays
- Different camera angles and animations for players in the pre-game
- Perhaps more fan animations (a Create-a-fan-feature would be awesome)
Furthermore, while it has its points, NBA 2K25’s graphics are generally impressive and visually appealing.
In a simpler and more conversational way: While NBA 2K25 might not appear to be a huge improvement over last year’s version, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, there are only so many changes you can make in a single year to enhance the game’s graphics. However, with ProPLAY Technology, this series has never looked better! So, I think it’s safe to say that NBA 2K25 is visually impressive.
Audio – NBA 2K25 Review
The visuals in NBA 2K25 are stunning, and its sound design has reached new heights of excellence. The presentation is crucial in NBA 2K games, and the commentary teams add an extra layer of authenticity to the experience. The developers have shown a keen eye for detail by including the Warriors’ PA Announcer Hurwitz during the Steph Curry era as just one example. Furthermore, I was pleased to find that the first three levels of Heart of a Dynasty featured their commentary teams.
It’s truly delightful not to undersell the charm of fully-voiced cutscenes. In my initial gaming hours of MyCAREER, I was thrilled to listen to stars like Jalen Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Austin Reaves, and others. While Reaves might need a bit more practice with his voice-acting, isn’t it cool to hear from our beloved players directly in the game?
In a broader perspective, the sound effects in this game are spot-on, delivering an authentic auditory experience. From the swish of the ball going through the hoop to the squeak of shoes on the court, everything sounds genuine and accurate. It’s not just pleasing to witness your player make a last-second shot, but also thrilling to hear the buzzer ring as you savor the victory.
Similar to its predecessors, NBA 2K25 offers a predominantly rap-infused playlist, yet there’s a blend of various other music genres too. With a total of 61 tracks, it’s challenging to grow tired of the selection. Moreover, 2K continues to add more songs throughout the year, which I find quite impressive. The soundtrack effectively aligns with the sport’s theme and culture.
Overall, NBA 2K25 delivers when it comes to Music and Sound. – NBA 2K25 Review
Verdict – Is NBA 2K25 Worth Your Time & Money?
2K25 NBA continues to fortify an outstanding series with its arrival, reintroducing fan-favorite elements such as Auction House MyCOURT, MyPARK, and seamlessly integrating them with innovative new features. Visual Concepts has once again demonstrated their knack for blending the familiar with the fresh, ensuring limitless ways to engage in this top-notch gameplay experience.
In a simple, natural, and easy-to-understand manner,
I will say though, that the only thing preventing me from giving the game a perfect score is the microtransactions. That may sound petty to some, but I’ll hold my ground in stating that a game with microtransactions is not a perfect game. But all that aside, NBA 2K25 is still another excellent addition to the series.
Moreover, although I appreciated the recent enhancements in NBA 2K24 this year, they may not be substantial enough for those who bought it last year. It’s common knowledge that sports games with annual updates often don’t bring about significant changes. If the improvements you’ve seen aren’t appealing to you, it’s perfectly fine to wait for a sale before purchasing the game.
To round things up, NBA 2K25 proves to be an outstanding choice for both novice and seasoned fans alike. The developers’ focus on user feedback, coupled with their fresh gameplay features, makes this year’s edition a real treasure trove of delight. In fact, it’s another home run for the series!
Score: 9/10
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2024-09-06 19:40